The fifth annual Minnesota Dream Hunt provided a transformative experience for young hunters with disabilities, including 16-year-old Keagen Gilder. On October 17, 2023, Keagen received a heartfelt surprise from his mother, Sarah Gilder, who revealed that he would be participating in his first deer hunt, an opportunity he had long dreamed of.
Keagen, who has hemiplegic cerebral palsy, was filled with excitement at the news. “When he read that and looked at me, he said, ‘We’re going deer hunting?! I really get to do this?’” Sarah recalled. This hunting trip was particularly significant as Keagen had never had the chance to hunt before, despite having an aunt who is an avid hunter.
Sarah discovered the Minnesota Dream Hunt through a Facebook post from the United Special Sportsman Alliance (USSA), an organization dedicated to providing outdoor opportunities for youth with permanent disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. Recognizing the potential for her son, she quickly signed him up.
Upon arriving at the home of organizer Jack Juberian in Leonard, Minnesota, Keagen and his mother were warmly welcomed. Juberian’s children quickly engaged with Keagen, creating a friendly atmosphere that set the stage for the weekend. “These kids have never met each other, but the way that they were interacting was like they’ve known each other forever,” Sarah noted.
Throughout the weekend, Juberian and other volunteers provided hands-on instruction for Keagen and three other young hunters. They learned how to shoot and practice target skills before heading out into the field. Although Keagen did not succeed on his first day, he remained hopeful for the next outing.
On the second day, Keagen spotted a doe and received guidance from Juberian, who told him where to aim. With his first shot, Keagen successfully harvested his first deer. “The immediate gratification that Jack showed Keagen is something that most people only give their own children,” Sarah expressed. “And it was so heartwarming.”
The emotional and social benefits of the hunt extended beyond the thrill of the experience. Sarah observed that Keagen often struggles with social interactions at school, particularly due to his condition. The hunting trip allowed him to connect with peers in a supportive environment, demonstrating that shared interests like hunting can foster friendships and self-confidence. “It just opens the door for him to do more things that he’s been told he can’t do,” she said.
The Minnesota Dream Hunt, which began in 2021, has been primarily organized by Juberian, who modestly downplays his role. “I wouldn’t call myself the organizer of anything, because organization is probably a long way from my strong suit,” he remarked humorously.
Juberian learned about the USSA through friends who were already involved in similar activities in Colorado. Inspired by their efforts, he reached out to Bridget O’Donoghue, the founder of the organization, to start the Minnesota initiative. Since its inception, the Dream Hunt has brought together young hunters, providing them with a unique outdoor experience that many may never otherwise have.
This year, the event included four participants: Keagen, Jaydan and Jacob Kungu, and Tyler Ash. By the end of the two-day event, all but Ash returned with deer, highlighting the program’s success in creating memorable experiences for young individuals facing significant challenges.
The entire trip, including lodging at a hotel in Bemidji, is provided at no cost to the families, making it accessible for participants. Juberian emphasized the importance of offering these unique experiences: “It gives them something different than, say, going to Disneyland or Universal Studios,” he said. “These kids have been dealt a little different hand than the rest of us.”
Parents like Sarah Gilder express deep gratitude for the support and dedication of volunteers like Juberian. “The whole event was just humbling. It was heartwarming to see these people open their house and give up their time to show others what hunting and the outdoor life can be like,” she stated.
The Minnesota Dream Hunt serves as a reminder of the power of community and the joy that can come from inclusive outdoor activities. As participants like Keagen embark on new adventures, they are not only creating unforgettable memories but also building confidence and connections that extend far beyond the hunt.
